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SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers from Episodes 1-3 of “Bel-Air,” now streaming on Peacock.
For the past three years, Jabari Banks has played Will in Peacock’s reboot of the beloved ’90s sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, ” a legendary role originated by Will Smith.
“He’s been a guiding force and light throughout this whole experience,” Banks says of working with Smith. “We rarely talk about the character, but we’ve talked about the industry and my career. That’s been the most impactful conversation that I’ve had with him.”
Reflecting on his experience during his last day on set, Banks recalls: “There were a lot of tears and reminiscing. It’s like graduating high school. When it’s time to say goodbye, it sucks.”
In an industry where nostalgia sells, reboots often miss the mark by failing to offer a fresh, modern take on an original story. In a landscape dominated by remakes, Peacock’s “Bel-Air” is one of the few shows that got it right.
And it all started with a viral mock trailer from the “Bel-Air” creator, Morgan Cooper.
In 2019, Cooper created a nearly 4-minute trailer that reimagined “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” as a gritty drama that gained millions of views on YouTube. Less than 24 hours later, Cooper had a meeting with Smith and his production company, Westbrook, who were interested in bringing Cooper’s reimagination of the old sitcom into a more serious drama.
The series keeps the humor and family bonds between Will and the Banks family, but departs from the original comedy’s half-hour format, as an hour-long series that explores class disparity, sexuality, institutionalized racism, mental health and identity with greater depth than was possible in the ‘90s sitcom.
Anne Marie Fox/PEACOCK
Now in its fourth and final season, which premieres with its first three episodes on Nov. 24, Will enters his senior year trying to figure out his future, while Carlton (Olly Sholotan) deals with the weight of tough decisions that put his future at risk.
Meanwhile, Phil (Adrian Holmes) and Geoffrey’s (Jimmy Akingbola) brotherhood is fractured after an unexpected power shift tests their loyalties. Viv (Cassandra Freeman) struggles with reinventing herself as she welcomes a new child into the Banks family. Ashley (Akira Akbar) faces challenges in her freshman year of high school, while Hilary (Coco Jones) focuses on self-healing after her husband’s death.
The first few episodes pick up with Will’s trauma affecting his daily life since returning home after being kidnapped. Rather than seeking professional help to process his trauma, Will goes on a quest to track down his kidnappers and Geoffrey, his family’s butler, whose sketchy past led to Will’s abduction.
“Will is a very spontaneous, hot-headed guy, but also a protector of his family,” Banks says. “Knowing that Geoffrey has been gone doesn’t sit right with his spirit. He’s not going to wait on anybody to help him in this situation.”
His fixation on finding his kidnappers leads him to a destination where he discovers the same car used in his abduction. With the help of Carlton, Will retaliates by using a baseball bat, attempting to smash the vehicle beyond repair.
“Smashing the car was a representation of him taking his power back and a release of pent-up emotions,” Banks says. “It seems like nobody cares that Geoffrey is gone. When he finds the car that he was thrown into, it’s the perfect thing to take his anger out on.”
Although Will’s rebellion isn’t surprising, Carlton’s help with vandalizing the car strays away from his character, since he typically follows the rules. Carlton often adheres to authority, a tendency that has clashed in earlier seasons with his cousin’s rebellious nature. But expanding their relationship from “enemies to brothers” has been one of Banks’ favorite storylines to bring to life with Sholotan.
“The biggest lesson of Will and Carlton is seeing someone else’s perspective and taking the time to get to know someone even if you don’t agree with their standpoint on certain things,” Banks says. “They’ve had the time to argue through certain points and know that sometimes they just may not understand. But, they love the person simply for being them.”
Anne Marie Fox/PEACOCK
Throughout the series, “Bel-Air” has featured celebrity cameos across Hollywood. For the final season, the show will introduce new characters played by “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” alum Janet Hubert, Tyra Banks and Snoop Dogg. Banks — who is also a musician, and recently released his debut EP “Ultra” — was particularly excited to act alongside Snoop Dogg.
“He was super cool, chill, friendly and personable,” Banks says. “He had a two-page monologue and didn’t skip a word. That was dope to see his level of professionalism. It’s the reason why his career has had the longevity, and that was inspiring to see. Whether that be music or acting, he shows up ready.”
Another inspiration the actor has had the chance to act alongside has been Marlon Wayans, who first appeared in the Season 1 finale as Will’s long-lost father, Lou. In the series, Banks and Wayans have showcased the complexities of a father and son reconnecting.
Anne Marie Fox/PEACOCK
Through their ups and downs, Season 4 becomes a turning point in their relationship after Will calls Lou “dad” for the first time.
“He [Will] never had the opportunity to say that word,” Banks says. “As he and Lou are getting closer, it slips out. It signifies comfort and an openness that Will is starting to have with his father, which is a beautiful thing.”
Despite playing his character’s father on screen, Banks describes Wayans as more of an “older brother” who has given him direction and guidance off camera. “He plays my father, but he definitely feels like an older brother. Whether we talk about the show or life, he has taken me under his wing.”
As Banks takes his final bow as Will, he says the most rewarding part of breathing new life into the beloved sitcom has been connecting with the fans, old and new.
“There are so many people of different ages and demographics that love it,” he says. “It’s beautiful to see that we can bring communities together with a shared love for television and culture. I’m super happy that fans love the show.”
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Giana Levy
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